The Presidency has accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of deliberately stoking tension in the country and diverting public attention from corruption allegations against him.

In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Monday, Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, said El-Rufai’s recent actions are calculated to destabilise the political atmosphere.

Ajayi said, “El-Rufai has two clear objectives: one, to create political tension and fear across the country; and two, to deflect attention from his domestic challenges in Kaduna State, where he is facing massive corruption allegations.”

He further alleged that the ex-governor is spreading deliberate misinformation to damage the Federal Government while portraying himself as a victim of persecution.

El-Rufai recently criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government during a national television interview shortly after his return to Nigeria. His attempt to leave the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, without detention was reportedly blocked by the Department of State Services (DSS), sparking widespread national debate.

Ajayi added, “El-Rufai is seeking to nationalise his personal problems, hoping to gain sympathy from Nigerians. But the public is unlikely to support someone facing serious corruption allegations.”

El-Rufai’s critics and supporters continue to clash over his actions, with recent protests and demonstrations at key government offices reflecting the growing tension surrounding the issue.